Gucci Nymphaea Review

My Gucci Nymphaea (which I still don't know how to say, but we can't have everything) is the most recent bag in my collection. I don't often see bags I like. And to say what a hefty price tag they all carry, you have to love one if you're going to go for it. My bag purchases are usually a bit impulsive, because when I see one I love I go for it, as it's rare that actually happens. I first saw this one online, then sought in out in store (something I always try to do), and after dragging Harry out to have a look too, I took the plunge.

Gucci bags have been everywhere recently, and while I am a big fan, the obnoxious branding puts me off. I like bags that look expensive without being emblazoned with logos, which is something more and more designer bags seen to be doing. Brands like Celine and Loewe have always been favourites of mine because of the subtle embossed logos, which is just what this one has too!

Of course the thing that caught my eye the most was the bamboo handles. I felt it made the bag feel like a Summer piece, while still being the most versatile black leather. The pearl detailing on the ends is still subtle, but adds to the luxury of the piece. The handles look just as good when the bag is worn cross body as they do held top handle, and the wood is a really gorgeous rich colour. The shape is also a winning factor for me. I love the angled sides, the huge pinch in the leather and the square top. It feels like a very classic yet modern shaped bag.

I have worn this a lot since I bought it a month and a half ago. It's very, very versatile and could be worn with every outfit I go for. I think it's smart enough to wear for work, and classic enough to not be considered a trend piece like lots of Gucci's current pieces.

I was expecting this to be a lot more when I first saw it. It seems the prices of handbags are constantly on the rise, with more and more creeping towards £2k+. The most expensive bags in my collection are my Celine belt bag and Loewe Barcelona, both costing around £1.6k, which is where I was expecting this to be priced too. By no means a bargain, but it seems less and less common to find a premium designer bag for under £1.5k.

Size: Small (comes in one size larger too)

It fits a really decent amount of things in too. I carry around a huge purse, two cameras, sunglasses, lip balm, iPhone 6 Plus, large set of keys and other bits and bobs like mints around on a daily basis. It can fit all of this and much more comfortably. So long as everything inside fits flat too, you don't run the risk of ruining the shape of the bag.

The leather is a smooth, soft leather, making it one that's easy to mark. I am heavy handed with things, and so far this is holding up to that. There are some small scratches (which are barely showing up on camera) on the opening of the bag. It also fell off my car seat the other week and I scratched it with my nail as I caught it - the scratch as worn in so well that I couldn't even find it to photograph! In reality, yes this will scratch, but it also wears in well so they become less and less noticeable after some time.

There are some negatives to this bag. I love bags that can be worn both cross body and top handle, as this one can. However, the cross body strap doesn't come long enough (I am wearing it on the longest setting here). Now, I like how it looks like this, so the issue isn't a cosmetic one. The combination of the length with the size of the bag means it twists with your body as you walk. Whereas a bag that sits down to your hips would almost bounce away from you when walking, the short strap restricts that movement. It's not uncomfortable at all, but it has misshaped the bag. It's only been minimal because I noticed this quite early on and have not been wearing it cross body since. I hope the image below illustrates this, but can you see that when the bag is held straight the back handle as sitting slightly askew to the front one? I think this would get worse and worse if I continued to wear this cross body, which massively reduces the practicality of this bag for me.

Another issue is the opening. It's just two giant magnets on the side of the bag (right where the big pinch of leather is), and nothing at all along the top. You can't get things in and out without pulling the bag open, but it isn't the most secure and would be easy for someone else to dip their hand into. It does feel well secured when it's shut, especially when worn held at the top handle, but it is by no means the most secure in my collection!

All in all, it doesn't make me regret the purchase, and in some ways it means it will stop me wearing it for running around doing errands, and keep it for nicer occassions. However, when I spend this much on an item, I want to be wear it however and whenever I want and not be restricted in that. Ultimately, if you love this one then it's worth it. It's a gorgeous bag with an incredible design, and not one you will see everyone wearing (yet, anyway). It will sit well in most wardrobes, carries a really good amount of items and draws in lots of compliments. If you are someone who wants a cross body bag, then give this one a miss, there are lots out there that are better suited to be worn like that (e.g Loewe Barcelona and Loewe Puzzle).